Security/Detention / Jackson, MS

Security/Detention Guard Position Summary The Detention Guard is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly environment for youth residents, staff, visitors, and facility property. The position provides direct supervision of detained youth, enforces facility rules and procedures, conducts security checks, and responds appropriately to emergencies and behavioral incidents. The Detention Guard is expected to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, patience, and respect when working with youth while ensuring that all facility policies, safety procedures, and applicable laws are followed. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Maintain constant awareness of the safety and security of youth, staff, visitors, and the facility. Supervise youth residents in housing units, recreation areas, dining areas, classrooms, visitation areas, and other assigned locations. Conduct scheduled and unscheduled security checks of youth housing areas and facility grounds. Monitor youth behavior and identify potential safety, security, or behavioral concerns. Enforce facility rules, regulations, schedules, and behavioral expectations in a fair and consistent manner. Conduct searches of youth, rooms, common areas, and other authorized areas in accordance with facility policy. Inspect doors, locks, windows, security equipment, and other facility areas for signs of damage, tampering, or security concerns. Maintain accurate logs, records, incident reports, and other required documentation. Escort and transport youth within the facility or to authorized locations as assigned. Monitor visitation and maintain appropriate security procedures for visitors. Respond promptly and appropriately to fights, disturbances, medical emergencies, escapes, fires, and other incidents. Use de-escalation and conflict-resolution techniques whenever appropriate and consistent with training and facility policy. Apply approved intervention and restraint procedures only when authorized, necessary, and properly trained. Assist medical, mental-health, educational, and other facility personnel when requested. Conduct or assist with head counts and accountability checks. Control and account for keys, radios, equipment, and other assigned security property. Report unusual behavior, rule violations, safety hazards, contraband, or security concerns to supervisors. Maintain confidentiality regarding youth records, incidents, and facility operations. Provide respectful and professional treatment to all youth regardless of behavior or circumstances. Attend required training, staff meetings, drills, and professional-development activities. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or facility administration. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED preferred. Must meet applicable age, background, licensing, and employment requirements. Ability to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and other required pre-employment examinations, as applicable. Ability to work effectively with adolescents in a structured and secure environment. Ability to remain calm and exercise good judgment during stressful or emergency situations. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, policies, and procedures. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in juvenile detention, corrections, law enforcement, security, military service, residential care, or a related field. Experience working with adolescents or individuals in a structured residential environment. Training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, first aid/CPR, or behavioral management. Physical Requirements The position may require the employee to: Stand and walk for extended periods. Sit, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs. Respond quickly to emergencies. Physically intervene when necessary and permitted by law and facility policy. Lift, carry, push, or pull equipment or other objects as required. Work in a secure facility environment that may involve exposure to stressful or unpredictable situations. Work Environment Work is performed in a secure youth detention facility and may involve rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-ins. Employees may be exposed to verbal confrontations, disruptive behavior, medical emergencies, and other challenging situations. Core Competencies Integrity and professionalism Good judgment and decision-making Effective communication Patience and emotional control Conflict resolution and de-escalation Attention to detail Teamwork Dependability and punctuality Respect for youth and their rights Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to follow security procedures Equal Employment Opportunity The facility is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals and maintaining a professional workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.